wireless mic forums

Using the V30L with the G30 system?
by zipperchest2001 on 2013-02-04 08:25:16

Hello everyone!

I have the G30 instrument system and have been pleased with it for years. I've used it for my upright bass for two shows where I was a featured player, as well as for acoustic and electric guitar. I am now wondering if it is possible to use either the XDV30L or the XD30HS as a means to mic a violinist on stage? Both use the TPB06 body pack, however I noticed that the mics terminate to a 1/4 in TRS jack, while the G30 uses a regular 1/4in TR jack. What would be the difference? I don't want to invest in a mic if it's not compatible with the G30 system.

Thanks!

Re: Using the V30L with the G30 system?
by RonMarton on 2013-02-04 11:46:05

That violin mic's 1/4 inch TRS plug almost certainly carries the balanced (signal "hot", signal "cold", and shield) output from some type of balanced-output microphone ...and that mic is also almost certainly low impedance, (whereas "guitar pickup" tip-sleeve-equipped gear is nearly always high impedance) hence successful operation with a G30's beltpack is most unlikely.

It's hard for us to give you any more help than that without a bit more detailed information, but I'll try anyway, based on an assumption that you may be planning to simply swap from your double bass to a violin, with both instruments intended to be alternately re-enforced via the same (existing) receiver.

Unfortunately, the best way to do this involves the additional outlay of around $200 USD for an additional Line 6 TBP12 or V75 beltpack which has a multi-pin input connector, (known as a "TA4") that facilitates the options of either impedance and/or the DC powering of mics via different connections at the beltpack-end of cables.

Once configured to operate in its "RF1" mode, channels 1 to 6 of the twelve available in that beltpack correspond (and will succesfully work) with the six of your existing receiver.

The quickest (less than 30 seconds) and simplest way of then swapping between instruments would then be to have both instruments' transmitters tuned to the same frequencency as that of your Relay receiver and for you to switch off the "outgoing" instrument's beltpack prior to the swap ...and only then switch on the "incoming" instrument's transmitter.

If your intended violin pickup device requires also requires DC powering, its manufacturer may very well be able to supply it already terminated with a TA4F plug instead of the TRS jack plug, which would also be a whole lot neater.

Re: Using the V30L with the G30 system?
by zipperchest2001 on 2013-02-04 12:09:52

Thanks Ron,

The "violin mic" would actually be either the lavalier or headset mic for the Line 6 XD-V30 series. I just noticed that they had the same model number for the belt pack as the G30. The impedence makes sense, however and thanks for the quick response. As a result, I'll look for a violin pickup (high Z) that I can use with the G30, since I don't really switch between the two instruments. A student needs a wireless solution for solo violin in a live situation and I was trying to find a quick and easy fix. Maybe Line 6 could look into wireless instrument mics a la the audio technica ATM series, with the corresponding clips for various instruments. . I've played the humble G30 in theatres and outdoor venues and the sound guys thought it was great!

Tom.

Re: Using the V30L with the G30 system?
by RonMarton on 2013-02-04 12:36:19

The high Z pickup's definitely the way to go, Tom !

The phase technique whereby Line 6's lavalier achieves its PA-friendly directionality would almost certainly rob the instrument of its tone, aside from the physical problems inherent in successfully mounting and aiming it.

Most violinists would also find the armature of a headset mic to be really uncomfortable and prone to bump-induced racket while bowing.

Sadly, that means spending from (US) $100 to $200 for anything with a decent tone, with most players seeming to prefer the "replacement bridge" types such as L.R. Baggs.

That type of pickup sounds far better to my old ears than any clip-on mic other than the brilliant (but very expensive) DPA miniatures ...and is far less prone to both the feedback and physical problems that I've encountered with many non DPA clip-ons.

Re: Using the V30L with the G30 system?
by dboomer on 2013-02-04 18:13:46

The lav mic we supply for G 30/35 is an omni mic. It could be a good choice for violin.

The headset is cardioid and would likely not work well.

Re: Using the V30L with the G30 system?
by zipperchest2001 on 2013-02-04 19:29:16

You mean the V30, right?

Re: Using the V30L with the G30 system?
by RonMarton on 2013-02-05 01:43:22

It would certainly be worth trying the clip-on lavalier that would arrive upon your ordering an XD-V30L "kit" for your student violinist, as Line 6's pricing is such that their rugged little mic is pretty much "thrown in for free" and ...in any case,

It'll be a handy option for later use in other situations and

Wouldn't it be just great if you could avoid the extra expense ?

I'd suggest starting with the lav's tie-clip "alligator jaws" clamped to the bridge on the side opposite the bowing arm so that the mic's body is orientated as high as possible from the soundboard on the side that's further from the chin.

That should also yield the least nuisance from the mic's cable running under the instrument but over the "chin-clamping" shoulder so as to plug into the beltpack.

A thin layer of "packing foam" inserted between the jaws of the clip may not only help avoid scratching the instrument, but also assist by reducing the amount of mechanical racket transmitted along the clip directly into the body of the mic.

Also I've found that most omni lav violin "bugs" seem to benefit from some "mid-range cut" or "suck-out" eq to help with "shrillness" whenever I've used them like that for the multitrack recording of violins ...and attenuation of those frequencies may also help with the feedback that may very well arise in your re-enforcement situation. (DPA's magic 4099V "micro shotgun" being a notable, if very expensive, exception ! )

If it's available, a touch of "reverb" (but only "a touch") being added also helps.

The information above may not be current, and you should direct questions to the current forum or review the manual.